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Living Free - May 27, 2008

Today's Scripture”But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation.” Romans 5:8-9 NLT

Thoughts for TodayHow do you see yourself?

We need to look at self-worth because we do not want to respond defensively to others and hurt them as we may have been hurt … and because God does not want us to walk around feeling we are worthless and of no value. After all, he stretched out his arms and died for us, so he has already demonstrated how valuable we are to him.

If we base our self-worth on anything other than what God says about us, we will never feel good enough to please him because we are not. But Jesus is! And in him, so are we. Instead of focusing on ourselves and our failures and hurts, we need to focus on God’s love for us … his promises to us … and who we are in Christ Jesus.

Consider this…Jesus loved you enough even before you knew him to die on the cross for your sins. You are precious to him.

If you have asked Jesus to forgive your sins and have made him Lord of your life, you are clothed in his righteousness. God looks at you and sees you cleansed and forgiven. You are special and he has a good plan for your life.

If you have not yet received Jesus, you can come to him right now. No matter what you have done. No matter what you think about yourself—or what anyone else thinks about you. God’s love is more than enough. The power of the cross is more than enough. Say “yes” to Jesus and let him envelope you in his love and forgiveness.

Prayer…Father, thank you for Jesus. Thank you for forgiving me—and not condemning me. Help me to stop looking at my own failures and hurts and focus on your love for me … and on who I am in Jesus. In His name …

These thoughts were drawn from…Restoring Families: Overcoming Abusive Relationships through Christ by Janet M. Lerner, D.S.W. This study helps to minister to families caught in the cycle of abusive relationships and is recommended for use in support groups and Christian counseling.• Ministers to families from abusive relationships • Ministers to victims of family violence • Deals with wounded emotions • Deals with control and intimacy issues• Presents a strong message of Christ as healer of abusive relationships